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5 Dangers of Tobacco

Tobacco use is disastrous for the health of the user. It can also harm the health of others through secondhand smoke. Tobacco contains both tar and nicotine, substances known to be detrimental to good health. Manufacturers also introduce additives to enhance the flavor and effects of tobacco. These additives also have the potential to cause health problems, such as cancer.

  1. Tolerance and Addiction

    • Tobacco contains nicotine, an addictive substance. The more people use tobacco, the more addicted to nicotine they become. Tobacco users develop a tolerance over time and need larger quantities of tobacco to achieve the same effects. Those who try not to use tobacco will feel stressed and irritated. A user who has quit recently may suffer from impaired cognitive function because of this, and may also experience nausea, depression and increased hunger.

    Reduced Life Quality

    • Tobacco smoke ages the skin, and those who smoke or chew tobacco develop stained teeth and bad breath. Women who smoke have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis and may experience menopause sooner. Smokers experience more general respiratory problems than the general population including an increased chance to develop respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia and influenza.

    Diseases

    • Tobacco smoke includes a variety of harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide and cyanide. Tobacco use has long-term health effects, including lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and death. Chewing tobacco can cause people to develop oral cancer. People with high cholesterol or high blood pressure who smoke have a higher chance of having a heart attack

    Lung Cancer

    • Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer-related death around the world, and shows a strong correlation with tobacco use. People with lung cancer develop a persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, pneumonia, fatigue, weight loss and face swelling. They also cough up blood. Lung cancer only develops in the lungs, but can also spread to other parts of the body.

    Secondhand Smoke

    • Smoking tobacco is injurious to people around the user as well, as burning tobacco gives off secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke produces the exact same type of health problems in those who breathe it as firsthand smoke does. Cigars are worse than cigarettes in this regard, as they give off more smoke and burn longer.

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